Topic: Living Here

THE PLAYERS Championship Drives Awareness And Growth To Northeast Florida

Posted on August 9, 2024

THE PLAYERS Championship is one of the most prestigious tournaments in professional sports and is the signature event of the PGA TOUR. Known for having the strongest field and the largest purse in golf as well as the iconic 17th Island Green at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, this tournament draws spectators from across the world. However, THE PLAYERS is more than just a golf tournament – for the Jacksonville region, it’s a global awareness builder, a business driver and a community service engine that has supported Northeast Florida for 50 years.

As professional golf has become a global sport, the interest and allure of THE PLAYERS has grown exponentially. The tournament’s stature as a premiere event brings golf fans and business leaders from around the world to St. Johns County every year. 2024 brought THE PLAYERS’ largest audience to date with 50 million hours of consumed broadcast content and the first-ever sellout crowd on Saturday..

“It takes a lot of work by a great group of people for THE PLAYERS to happen,” said Lee Smith, executive director of THE PLAYERS. “Year-round, around 50 PGA TOUR employees focus solely on THE PLAYERS and this number multiplies as the tournament approaches. On top of that, the tournament is supported by 2,000 volunteers who contribute more than 66,000 hours before, during and after the tournament to make it a success”.

THE PLAYERS brings global companies to Northeast Florida in the form of sponsorships, hospitality and relationship building. With proud partners like Optum, Morgan Stanley and Comcast Business and a host of Fortune 1000 companies that entertain clients in a variety of settings, global business gets done at THE PLAYERS. The tournament is also a great venue for regional and local companies to showcase their products and services to a global audience.

Above all, THE PLAYERS is an event that gives back to the community. “One of our obligations on an annual basis is to continue to expand the community profile in and around Northeast Florida. We take that seriously and we want to expand that into a larger audience,” added Smith. THE PLAYERS gives back to the community through multiple philanthropic programs, such as the Red Coats Community Grants and THE PLAYERS Grants, Chip in for Charity and more. These programs support organizations at various levels, from large endowments to smaller, impactful donations to community nonprofits. Since the start of THE PLAYERS, more than $100 million has been donated to worthy causes across Northeast Florida.

Despite its success, THE PLAYERS is not resting on its laurels. Year after year, it continues to look for ways to improve and innovate. THE PLAYERS benefits from being located at the home of the PGA TOUR and the tournament looks to leverage technology to improve the fan experience.  Starting in 2025, a groundbreaking broadcast innovation that translates the broadcast into multiple languages in real time will roll out in combination with a new state-of-the-art media and production building. “This is not only a sports league,” says Smith, “but we are turning it into a technology and innovation hub as well.”

From community support and involvement to global interest and audiences, THE PLAYERS is an annual highlight for both Northeast Florida and professional golf. The tournament continues to drive economic growth to the Jacksonville region and will serve as a conduit to business growth around the world for years to come.

Jacksonville’s Stadium of the Future Will Drive Regional Economic Growth

Posted on August 5, 2024

The City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed on the construction of a new stadium that will not only serve as the home of the NFL franchise for years to come, but will be the centerpiece of a world-class sports and entertainment area for the Jacksonville region.

The Stadium of the Future is a $1.4 billion project that calls for “a reimagined stadium with an environmentally friendly and cost-effective structure that showcases state-of-the-art innovation. This proposal ensures the continuation of the annual traditions of the Florida-Georgia Football Classic and TaxSlayer Gator Bowl while also opening opportunities for future Super Bowls, Final Four tournaments, college football playoffs, marquee concerts and more.” Another example of Jacksonville’s strong public/private partnership, the agreement divides the funding evenly between the City and the Jaguars.

When commenting on the agreement, JAXUSA Partnership president Aundra Wallace said, “Private money follows public money, which is not only happening with this agreement but across downtown Jacksonville as well. In the last several years, the public has invested more than a billion dollars into the stadium area for hospitality and additional venues for arts, culture and entertainment. The long-term economic impact of all this work is tremendous and, above all, gives the Jacksonville region the infrastructure and facilities needed to be an unrivaled destination for both visitors and businesses.”

The agreement is set to approved by the NFL owners in October, with construction starting in February 2025. The project will take approximately three years to complete and it is targeted to open in August 2028. Even with the construction, the Jaguars are only scheduled to play one season out of Jacksonville, which showcases the innovation and ingenuity that is going into the project. EverBank will remain the title sponsor of the stadium through the 2027 season

“We continue to see major cities invest in their entertainment districts, and this shows that we are doing more than just keeping pace,” added Wallace. “Jacksonville is a high-growth market with more jobs and capital investment coming to the region every day. We’re the second hottest job market in the United States and the fourth fastest growing city, and this kind of investment coupled with these metrics demonstrate we will continue to be a world-class city.”

The Stadium of the Future represents a bold and visionary step in the evolution of the Jacksonville region. Jacksonville is poised to become a leading destination for sports and entertainment, offering an experience that will set new standards for stadiums worldwide and, in turn, drive business growth and investment in Northeast Florida.

BAE Systems Anchoring Success in Northeast Florida

Posted on July 16, 2024

BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair (JSR) is a fully functional shipyard located in the St. Johns River, just two miles from the Atlantic Ocean. This division of BAE Systems focuses on Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul and Conversion (MROC) of various naval and commercial vessels. The facility’s strategic location, robust infrastructure and commitment to community engagement have solidified its position as a key player in Northeast Florida’s economic landscape.

The journey of BAE Systems in Jacksonville began with the acquisition of the site in 2010. Over the years, the company has continually expanded its portfolio, adapting to the evolving demands of the maritime industry. One of the most significant milestones in their growth trajectory is the recent commitment of $200 million to build a state-of-the-art shiplift system – this fully Florida-driven project, utilizing local labor and materials, is expected to be completed by mid-2025. Once operational, the shiplift will increase the facility’s capacity by 300%, presenting numerous opportunities for both current operations and future expansion.

Northeast Florida’s unique attributes make it an ideal location for BAE Systems’ ship repair operations. According to Tim Spratto, BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair, the region’s proximity to the Navy is a critical factor. “If you want to service Navy ships, you have to be where the Navy is,” Spratto emphasizes. The pre-existing infrastructure of a fully formed shipyard in Jacksonville was particularly attractive to BAE Systems, allowing them to build on a solid foundation.

Spratto highlights several other reasons for the company’s continued growth in Northeast Florida, including low tax rates, a favorable cost of living and strong local and state support. “Jacksonville is a super easy sell,” he says, noting the region’s highly skilled labor force and exceptional quality of life. The ability to offer diverse living options, from the urban appeal of the historic districts in Riverside and San Marco to a more rural way of life in Clay and Baker Counties, as well as access to natural recreational activities throughout the entire region further enhances the area’s appeal.

The company recognizes that its business responsibilities extend beyond the shipyard’s fence line. As one of the largest companies within Jacksonville’s city limits, they have a vested interest in the community’s well-being. The company maintains strong partnerships with local organizations such as the St. Johns Riverkeeper, BEAKS Bird Rescue, Safe Harbor Boys Home and the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament, emphasizing their commitment to environmental stewardship and community support.

The facility has also earned the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Clean Boatyard Harbor Designation, underscoring their dedication to maintaining a clean marine environment. “We want to be a resilient marine facility. We’re committed to our river,” Spratto asserts, highlighting their efforts to protect the Timucuan Natural Preserve and other local natural assets.

A critical component of BAE’s success in Jacksonville is its focus on local talent development. The company collaborates with local universities, trade schools and the First Coast Manufacturers Association (FCMA) to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers. BAE sponsors scholarship programs and offer extensive training opportunities, emphasizing the importance of workforce development at all levels.

The shipyard requires a wide range of blue-collar trades, including welders, painters, sheet metal workers, marine mechanics, insulators and electricians. The introduction of the new shiplift system is expected to create 300-400 new jobs, further boosting the local economy and reinforcing BAE Systems’ role as a major employer in the region.

The shipyard is poised for continued growth and success in Northeast Florida. With strategic investments, a commitment to community engagement and a focus on talent development, the company is well-positioned to meet the future demands of the maritime industry. As they expand their operations and workforce, BAE Systems remains dedicated to their mission of providing top-notch ship repair services while contributing positively to the Jacksonville community.

Jacksonville: A Strategic Epicenter of Health Tech

Posted on July 2, 2024

The health tech industry is rapidly transforming the landscape of healthcare, bringing innovation and efficiency to an industry that is not only crucial to the well-being of society but is projected to grow globally to $707.7 billion by 2032. From telemedicine and electronic medical records to wearable devices and robotics, the integration of technology into healthcare is improving patient outcomes, reducing costs and making care more accessible than ever before.

As home to one of only three Mayo Clinics and one of seven Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Centers in the country, the Jacksonville region is a leading healthcare ecosystem.   Additionally, the region is at the forefront of the development of advanced treatment technologies, exemplified by the award-winning UF Proton Therapy Institute.

Northeast Florida’s educational assets have laid a local foundation of highly developed talent, further bolstering the region’s venerable reputation in healthcare. There are a variety of relevant programs and degrees offered at these institutions that create a pipeline of workforce-ready professionals. Health informatics, an evolving field at the intersection of systems data and healthcare, is offered as an advanced degree at both Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida. Additionally, Florida State College at Jacksonville and St. Johns River State College both offer health information technology programs.

The region’s colleges and universities play a crucial role in the higher quality of life that can be found here, which has helped healthcare tech companies recruit and retain top talent. “Jacksonville has been an important part of Johnson & Johnson Vision’s history, but it’s more important that Jacksonville is critical to our future,” says Peter Menziuso, Company Group Chairman of Johnson & Johnson Vision. “We keep making investments here because we find the talent we need to fuel our growth, and the region provides an environment where they can grow and be successful.”

As technology increasingly plays a larger part in the healthcare landscape, Northeast Florida is a logical, strategic epicenter of health tech.

Leading-edge medical companies – including Johnson & Johnson Vision, Medtronic, McKesson, Availity, Forcura and others – have a significant presence in the Jacksonville region. Each is leveraging the power of technology in their own way to help improve healthcare processes and care outcomes.

  • Johnson & Johnson Vision not only produces more than 1.7 billion disposable contact lenses at their Jacksonville Global Headquarters each year, but leverages technology to meet their larger mission of improving eye health around the world.
  • Medtronic is leading the intersection of healthcare technology and biomedical engineering through the development of instruments that alleviate pain and restore health.
  • Availity operates the largest real-time information network in healthcare, connecting 2 million providers, health plans and partners.
  • Forcura is revolutionizing the home healthcare space through their platform that simplifies document workflow, data exchange and secure communication between healthcare providers and home health delivery providers.

This strong set of corporate anchors is leading to the infusion of a host of health tech startups and innovators, and the region is actively supporting those efforts.  The JAX Chamber’s Open Innovation Center is focused on assisting early-stage companies find their footing and establish their networks in the area – this was further amplified by the region’s Medical Innovation Summit, which hosted more than 300 health professionals and business leaders from both the area’s hospital systems and healthcare firms. These foundations help accelerate the growth of these new companies by creating connections with larger organizations and further enhance the overall structure of healthcare technology in the region.

As technology continues to evolve and provide more opportunities to improve patient care, the Jacksonville region will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare. Northeast Florida’s strength in both life sciences and technology services is unique in the global economic landscape, and merging these strengths into a defined focus provides a great foundation for health tech companies and the talent that drives them.

Jacksonville’s Population Boom A Testament To Talent & Opportunity

Posted on June 20, 2024

Jacksonville was recognized by the United States Census Bureau as the tenth largest city in the United States and the fourth largest-gaining city by numerical change between July 2022 and July 2023. Nearly 1 million people now call Jacksonville home, with more than 14,000 coming to the area in the last year alone. A recent article by PODS revealed that Jacksonville ranks among the top 10 cities with the highest move-in rates, highlighting its growing appeal as a prime relocation destination.

“This data emphasizes the trend we have seen for the last several years – people are coming to Northeast Florida in droves,” said Aundra Wallace, president of JAXUSA Partnership. “The region has been very deliberate about our growth and talent strategies, and these measures highlight the fact that all signs are pointing to Jacksonville.”

These findings complement the news that Jacksonville was recently ranked the second hottest job market in the United States by The Wall Street Journal. This report also showed Jacksonville was the fastest growing job market in Florida, surpassing other major cities like Orlando, Tampa and Miami.

The job market, aided by a cost of living which is lower than the U.S. average, pro-business environment and high quality of life continue to draw people and businesses from across the world to plant their roots in Northeast Florida.

“Florida is one of the fastest growing states, so the fact that we can say we’re the hottest job market in Florida is high praise,” added Wallace. “It’s a testament to the companies we have in the region and their commitment to investing here.”

More than 150 corporate, regional and divisional headquarters currently operate in the Jacksonville region. Northeast Florida’s growing economic landscape and business-friendly climate allows organizations of all sizes to find professional success with our diverse collection of industry ecosystems that continue to attract talent and suppliers.

“When we look at the population growth, the level of talent we see coming into the region is very exciting. Northeast Florida’s profile continues to rise because global companies compare our talent to what is available around the world, and we are winning. When you take that talent along with the talent our local colleges and universities develop every year, companies are seeing a trajectory that will fuel their growth for years to come.”

The Jacksonville region’s growth in citizenry and jobs along with record high levels of capital investment and unmatched quality of life will continue to make Northeast Florida an attractive destination as companies look to relocate or expand their operations.

A Natural Expansion: KeHE’s Journey of Innovation and Growth in the Jacksonville Region

Posted on June 18, 2024

KeHE, a leading distributor of fresh, specialty, natural and organic foods, has established a significant footprint in the Jacksonville region over the last few years. Known for its extensive network of nineteen warehouses nationwide, KeHE’s strategic decision to expand to the First Coast is driven by several key factors that make the region uniquely suited for its growth and operational needs.

The company’s acquisition of Tree of Life was a pivotal milestone that combined two robust distribution networks, creating a nationwide platform poised for growth. This strategic move has enabled KeHE to leverage the consistent population growth in Northeast Florida, driving an increase in food consumption and establishing a solid customer base deeply rooted in the market.

Jacksonville stands out among other regions thanks to its exceptional quality of life, attracting talent from within and outside the market. “The area’s pro-business mindset, excellent infrastructure and favorable tax structure provide a conducive environment for business growth,” says Chris Sieburg, EVP of Operations at KeHE. He highlighted these factors as crucial elements that support KeHE’s thriving operations in the region.

KeHE’s commitment to innovation is driven by the evolving needs of its partners. The company continually seeks to enhance its offerings through technological advancements such as robotics and other efficiency-boosting tools. This focus on innovation ensures that KeHE remains at the forefront of the food distribution industry, meeting the dynamic demands of today’s consumers.

Jacksonville’s robust talent pool is a significant asset for KeHE. The region’s career progression opportunities, especially within the warehousing sector, align with KeHE’s culture of promoting from within. The company’s call center in Jacksonville further underscores the availability of a skilled workforce, essential for its diverse operational needs, including IT, sales and customer care.

KeHE is deeply committed to community involvement, as evidenced by its KeHE Cares Foundation, which allocates a portion of the company’s profits to partner organizations that assist marginalized communities globally. The company’s employees actively participate in local initiatives such as City Rescue Mission, Three Grains of Rice, and Blessings in a Backpack. This hyperlocal service approach is driven by the employees’ passions, ensuring meaningful engagement with the community.

Looking ahead, KeHE is set to expand its operations in Northeast Florida significantly. A new warehouse, scheduled to open in June 2025, will more than double the company’s capacity. This state-of-the-art facility will feature advanced robotics, bulk rooms, and protein rooms, enhancing efficiency and supporting future growth. The demographics of Florida and the growth of KeHE’s customers are expected to drive continued expansion, further solidifying Jacksonville as a critical hub for the company.

KeHE’s strategic presence on the First Coast is a testament to the region’s conducive business environment, rich talent pool and strong community ties. As the company continues to grow and innovate, it remains committed to making a positive impact both within the industry and the local community.

American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Finds Platform for Success in Ponte Vedra

Posted on June 4, 2024

American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) has been in the maritime business for more than 35 years and is the largest U.S.-flag RoRo operator. Originally based in northern New Jersey, ARC looked for relocation options to capitalize on the opportunities offered by port cities in the Southeast.

“When we made the decision to relocate our corporate headquarters, we started heading south and looking at cities like Charleston and Charlotte before coming to Jacksonville,” said Chuck Diorio. “We had always been familiar with Jacksonville given its proximity to Brunswick, one of our largest ports, and the more we learned, the more we realized it was a strategic fit for us.”

The Jacksonville region has always been recognized for its strong transportation and logistics ecosystem and ARC understood the importance of being among companies like Tote, Landstar, Suddath, Trailer Bridge, CSX, and Crowley, both for talent development as well as industry collaboration. ARC relocated about 80% of its staff from New Jersey along with core corporate functions like finance, operations, and human resources. Since establishing its presence in Ponte Vedra in 2021, ARC has expanded its team by 10-20 people and has long-term plans to double the size of the company.

“Being close to Jacksonville’s military has also been beneficial since we do a lot of work for the Department of Defense,” added Diorio. “Our access to experienced talent along with JAXPORT’s role as a strategic seaport – meaning it’s one of only 17 approved ports for moving military cargo – gives us a great ability to assist the military.”

In addition to its business endeavors, ARC has actively engaged with the local community through various initiatives, including partnerships with organizations such as Operation New Uniform and the St Johns County Chamber of Commerce and involvement in industry associations like the National Defense Transportation Association, Propeller Club, and Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association.

As ARC continues to thrive in the Jacksonville region, the company is confident about the area’s growth opportunities and its role as a prominent player in the maritime space. With a steadfast commitment to growth and community involvement, ARC is poised to leave a lasting impact on Northeast Florida’s evolving transportation and logistics landscape.

Amazon’s Presence in the Jacksonville Region is Strategic & Growth Oriented

Posted on May 8, 2024

Since its start in 1994, Amazon has been reshaping how consumers shop. Starting from its inception as an online marketplace for books, Amazon has expanded its offerings to cover virtually every product category along with its own product suite of electronics and entertainment. Moreover, Amazon’s customer-centric e-commerce application has set the standard and culturally changed how people buy as well as how products move through the supply chain. The Jacksonville region has been part of the company’s vision since it began investing in Florida and is now a crucial strategic point in Amazon’s fulfillment network.

“Jacksonville is the gateway to Florida and a strategic location to serving the Southeast,” said Sam Blatt, economic development manager for Amazon covering Florida and the Carolinas. “We continue to look for ways to improve how we serve customers from the first mile to the last mile. Jacksonville is an important market because it’s growing and is a critical connection for our transportation and logistics function.”

Amazon now has 10 facilities throughout Northeast Florida employing more than 8,000 people. The region’s facilities consist of larger distribution centers like the Pecan Park location and smaller, specialty locations like the one by Cecil Commerce Center. A new last mile facility is currently underway near Craig Airport to improve east/west connectivity in the city.

Part of the success of Amazon in the region is the availability of talent and the company’s desire to help it grow. With career opportunities across the Jacksonville region along with upskilling initiatives and tuition reimbursement through its Career Choice program, Amazon is helping prepare the workforce of the future. Amazon also partners with Duval County Public Schools to fund computer science programming for students in the area.

The Jacksonville region also plays an important part of how Amazon gives back to the community – their employees give back through many causes in the area, and Jacksonville serves as a staging area for disaster relief for the state of Florida.

“We continue to see Jacksonville as a growth market both for our needs to serve the region and also our customer base since more and more people are moving to Northeast Florida,” added Blatt. “As we look to expand, we always factor in how we can work together with the City of Jacksonville to best serve our long-term needs.”

Strength Of Jacksonville’s Public/Private Alliance Highlighted In Recent Successes

Posted on April 9, 2024

One of the most important factors to any region’s economic growth is the alignment of government policies and programs with the needs and goals of the business community –this is especially evident in the Jacksonville region like no other place in the United States.

At JAXUSA Partnership’s first quarter luncheon, Mayor Donna Deegan highlighted several key projects aimed at bolstering the advancement of the region:

Jacksonville Aims to be the Small Business Capital of the Southeast

  • An initial $2 million investment in small business programs including micro grants, low interest loans, education programming at the Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida, and film and TV production growth.
  • Significant technology and process investments to streamline the permitting process, making it faster and easier to move projects forward across Jacksonville.

Boosting the Region’s Reputation as a Global Business Destination

Growing The Region’s Talent Base

Improving Infrastructure and Quality of Place

  • A commitment to public infrastructure and transformative projects that make downtown Jacksonville the epicenter for business, education and entertainment in the region – this includes a continuous series of riverfront parks that will make the river accessible to everyone in the city and attract more people to live, work and play here.
  • A record-setting $147 million grant received for five segments of the Emerald Trail, encompassing approximately 30 miles of trails, greenways and parks that encircle the urban core and link at least 14 historic neighborhoods to downtown.
  • The region’s leadership on resilience and sustainability with the presentation of the first city-wide compound flood model in the nation at the Aspen Institute Climate Conference. This cutting-edge model gives leaders the clearest picture of Jacksonville’s flood risk down to the block or street level, even telling us how long and to what extent a road will flood, putting the region in the best position to make informed capital planning and emergency decisions in real time.

All these initiatives were amplified by the announcement of project wins for Northeast Florida totaling $175 million in capital investment and the addition of 500 jobs through the first quarter of 2024.

The Jacksonville region continues to capitalize on emerging opportunities and chart a path towards long-term prosperity. With bold initiatives and a steadfast commitment to inclusive growth, the partnership between government and business in Northeast Florida is laying the groundwork for a vibrant and resilient economic future.

Medtronic Continues to Grow the Jacksonville Region as a Life Sciences Hub

Posted on March 5, 2024

With a legacy spanning more than 70 years, Medtronic has consistently paved the way in the healthcare technology industry by creating customized, cutting-edge medical devices focused on alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life. Globally renowned, they have reshaped the treatment of more than 70 complex healthcare conditions, delivering impactful solutions to people across the globe.

Not only does Medtronic boast a rich history in healthcare technology, but its footprint in the Jacksonville region is equally significant. Operating in Northeast Florida for more than 25 years, Medtronic’s Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) headquarters are situated on an expansive 22-acre Jacksonville campus, home to a workforce of more than 660 professionals focused on product innovation and manufacturing. Katie Carpenter, Senior Director of Strategy and Analytics for Medtronic’s ENT division, affirms, “Our Jacksonville campus houses the full spectrum of the medical device innovation cycle, including ideation, research and development, concept and product testing, manufacturing and distribution, commercialization, and training. We also have a state-of-the-art medical education lab that hosts more than 150 medical education labs annually, attracting surgeons from around the world for ongoing education and training.”

A contributor to Medtronic ENT’s enduring success lies in its ability to leverage the abundant talent pool within the Jacksonville region. “Jacksonville has played a pivotal role in our ability to attract both local talent and professionals from afar to join Medtronic,” added Carpenter. “The region’s appealing lifestyle amenities and competitive cost of living serve as strong draws for prospective employees, ensuring that we remain an employer of choice.” Additionally, Medtronic demonstrates its dedication to making a positive impact on the community by developing partnerships with local universities and health systems, further solidifying its reputation as an attractive choice for professionals aiming to make a difference in healthcare. Medtronic remains deeply committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive workforce – both globally and in Jacksonville. Medtronic has achieved 100% ethnically diverse pay equity and gender pay equity within the U.S. Additionally, its U.S. workforce is composed of 40% ethnically diverse employees, and 51% of its global employees are women.

Medtronic’s dedication to the Jacksonville community goes beyond its workforce initiatives, extending to meaningful endeavors that make a difference in people’s lives. Through partnerships with local organizations such as the Pace Center for Girls, Pine Castle, and the Sulzbacher Center, Medtronic actively serves the community. “We have a strong commitment to Jacksonville and strive to provide our employees with opportunities for giving back through volunteering.”

Looking forward, Medtronic reaffirms its long-term commitment to the Jacksonville region: “We are committed to the success of our ENT operations in Jacksonville and will continue to fuel growth in this market.” With Medtronic’s continued investment, Northeast Florida will continue to serve as a leading hub for life sciences in the state of Florida, driving innovation and economic prosperity in the region.